We've all been affected by AIDS and today I am remembering my college friend Jack, who died 13 and a half years ago. He kept such a positive outlook on things and spent his final days in New Orleans after having earned an MFA in Set Design from Tulane. He kept living his life fully even though his health was failing him and I loved that about him. I miss him a lot.
I've also been looking after my good friend J., who lost his partner to AIDS a year ago today. He's been coping, but it has been so hard for him. I'm glad that I can be there for him and wish him more healing around this jagged hole in his life.
I've known a number of other people who have died of AIDS over the years, as well as celebrities whose work I have enjoyed. I'm thinking of them as well.